Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 11, 2007 5:15 pm We are currently building a new home , actually building has only commenced this week. We've had alot of problems with our builders up to this point and therefore have lost much faith in them. I'm now wondering whether it is worth getting an independent building inspector to look over the building at different stages of work. I called the Archicentre and they have sent me the paperwork. It's expensive but in the whole scheme of things not a huge amount. It worked out to about $2900 for 7 site visits which included a detailed report for each seperate visit.
I'm wondering if anyone has used their service and if it's worth it or perhaps there is a different group that someone else as used and was happy with them. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks Re: Independant Building Inspections 2Jan 11, 2007 8:06 pm Hello Sonia,I don't think that I'd sign up for indepentent inspections just yet.It's a shame that you are (off side) with your builder at this early stage.Does alot of problems mean that they didn't start on the promised date?This does happen alot and although annoying it doesn't necessarily mean that they can't do a good job for you on your house.Why don't you make a photographic record of events on site as they happen (concrete pours,wall and roof framing,etc) for you own interest and also for referal at a later date if required.Also a level headed friend who is familiar with the building process could be very helpful to you if available.Anyway,as I said,in my opinion I would be waiting until the crime is commited before calling the police and saving yourself quite abit of money.I assume that you signed up with this builder because of good recommendations ?I hope the building process goes smoothly for you and you end up with a good result.Regards Terry Re: Independant Building Inspections 3Jan 12, 2007 5:05 am Sonia333
My heart goes out to you. This post will not help help your situation but I trust it may inform you. As you may be aware you have no insurance, unless you are in Queensland. Should your builder deny any liabilty you have two choices, accept what you are given or go to court. If you are in Victoria, this means VCAT where Archicentre are not a recognised expert. An expert report is in the vicinity of $10 000. At VCAT you will not get legal or professional fees from the system you just have to wear that. I suggest you take your Archicentre reports to a solicitor, one that specialises in Domestic Building disputes. Find what options are available to you and the consequences of each. You may wish to involve your MPs and/or Consumer Affairs. They will take no interest whilst the matter is before the courts but may take an active interest before so and may advocate on your behalf. Good luck! Re: Independant Building Inspections 5Jan 15, 2007 9:15 am There are less expensive options for building inspectors. We hired a building inspector to inspect 4 stages of the house construction (Slab down, Walls up, roof on and completion) and all up it cost up about $1000 and I can safely say it was the best $1000 we spent in the entire building process.
We went with www.houspect.com.au for our inspections and I believe they are a national company (although I'm not sure). Even if at the end of the process all your inspector can say is that the house was well built and there is nothing wrong, then that peace of mind is priceless. And if, god forbid, there is something wrong , if is it caught by the inspector it can be fixed at a stage in the building process where it isn't going to cause more dramas. All in all I would recommend an inspector, even if you havent had problems with your builder, every one can make mistakes and an inspector will help catch those mistakes if they occur. The blog of my home being built: http://glint-bladesong.blogspot.com/ You have mandatory building inspections and privately engaged building inspections. The difference between the two comes down to inspecting the building so it's safe and… 3 18025 Thanks for your reply. I will just wait and see I guess. Trying to get some more information from our builder. 9 30233 |